House Bill 1636, sponsored by Lamberth, amends Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance the regulations surrounding forensic interviews conducted by the Department of Children's Services (DCS). The bill introduces a new subdivision to Section 24-7-123(b)(3)(A), which allows DCS employees to conduct forensic interviews under the supervision of a child advocacy center that meets specific requirements outlined in Section 9-4-213(a) or (b). Additionally, these employees must fulfill all requirements specified in subdivisions (b)(3)(B)-(H). This provision is set to expire on July 1, 2031.

The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that forensic interviews are conducted by qualified personnel in a manner that prioritizes the welfare of children involved in such sensitive cases.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 24-7-123(b)(3)(A), 24-7-123